RAKU Firings

Raku Firing , Saturday, JUNE 3rd, 2017

10 am – 2 pm

Mary LaFleur will lead the raku firing. There will be glazes, horsehair and all tools and equipment set up.

Participants just need to bring their bisque pieces (all pieces must be less than 12” in height or width). Cost is $40 per participant.

Firing for up to 6 pieces is included in the fee. Extra pieces are $5 per piece. We will fire as many pieces as possible in the allotted time.

Cost is $40 per participant. There is a limit of 8 participants so call Northeast Ceramic Supply (518-274-2722) soon to sign up.

For details or more information please call or email Barbara Reeley:

518-669-5296

claywomn@aol.com

Raku means pleasure or enjoyment. It was developed in Japan in the 16th century. Over the years various ways of raku firing have been tried.

Basic American raku is a fast, low-temperature firing of a glazed pottery piece. The piece is pulled from the fire with tongs and placed in a container that has a layer of sawdust. The pottery piece will burst into flames, more sawdust is thrown on the piece. The container lid is placed on the containers to reduce oxygen.

Some potters remove the hot, reduced pots and quench them in water. After the pots cool they are gently cleaned and a fixative or wax can be put on them to seal in the color.

Raku pots are one of a kind. It is a fun process that invites experimentation and contemplation. Raku can be humble forms, figurative and/or sculptural.